It was a time for productive ARCS business, enjoyable gatherings with colleagues from across the U.S., and fun opportunities to visit some local sites. Six members and two spouses from the Oregon Chapter (Elizabeth Bell, Julie Branford, Gigi and David Ditz, Joan Foley, Sharon Hewitt, Caron and Larry Ogg) attended the ARCS all member conference in Washington DC in April. 

The opening meeting began with keynote speaker, Deborah Wince-Smith, the president and CEO of the Council of Competitiveness.  This organization is a coalition of CEOs, university presidents, labor leaders and national laboratory directors committed to driving U.S productivity and prosperity.  Ms. Wince-Smith expressed the need to support science in America and praised ARCS’ mission. 

ARCS members and their spouses took advantage of guided tours to the American History Museum, National Geographic Museum, Daughters of the American Revolution, Air and Space Museum, International Spy Museum, National Portrait Gallery, National Gallery of Art, and the United States Botanic Garden. Some of us ventured off to other museums and landmarks.

One of the highlights of the trip was attending the reception and elegant dinner at the United States Supreme Court, where Justice Kennedy greeted everyone and spoke about the workings of the Supreme Court.

During the business meeting on Saturday, there were two important announcements:

• Dr. Neil DeGrasse Tyson, ARCS Alumni Scholar, was inducted into the ARCS Alumni Hall of Fame. He is an American astrophysicist, author, science communicator and he has hosted the television show NOVA ScienceNowon PBS and the television series Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey .  Dr. Tyson is coming to Portland to speak at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall on November 28 and 29, 2018.  He is a rock-star in his field so this is a must!